A quick question about refelexive pronouns/verbs

Question

I'm having a little trouble with when to put the reflexive pronoun at the end of the verb or in front of it. So, if I was translating, say, "I prefer to shower in the morning", I would say "Prefiero ducharme por la mañana", right? And if I was translating "I shower in the morning", it would be "Me ducho en la mañana" ? Thanks for the help, this chapter is driving me crazy

Answer 1

Exactly : )

great. thanks for the clarification! - leifeng183, Nov 17, 2010

Answer 2

Hi leifeng! The point about pronouns is right. I think you get it well.

But I have a question to you: If you have translated "I prefer to shower in the morning" by...

Prefiero ducharme por la mañana

...why do you translate "I shower in the morning", by:

Me ducho en la mañana

Have you any special reason for changing the preposition too? I liked more the first one.

Oh, didn't even notice! I think I just did it without thinking :P - leifeng183, Nov 17, 2010

The popular use of "Por la mañana" or "En la mañana" depends on the country, but they are both ok; ) - TaniaSalazar, Nov 17, 2010

Answer 3

You might want to read this article

With infinitives: When an infinitive is used with another verb, the pronoun or pronouns can be attached to the infinitive but don't have to be. In such cases, the pronoun or pronouns can come before or after the verb+infinitive.

However,

In the above examples, either form will be understood everywhere. However, with certain verbs there may be regional preferences for one word order over another. The attached form also may be a bit more common in written Spanish than in the spoken language.

Exception:

When an infinitive is used as a noun — such as when it follows a preposition or is used as the subject of a sentence — attachment of the pronoun is required:

* Conocerte es amarte. (To know you is to love you.) 

This exception should apply to your first example. I prefer (showering or to shower-noun).....

Thanks for the link, it gives more context to the whole thing. - leifeng183, Nov 17, 2010

Answer 4

I don't want to mess you up but you can also say:

"Me prefiero duchar por la mañana" instead of "Prefiero ducharme por la mañana". They are both correct.